I have spent the last few days driving through a construction zone near my home. They have stripped the top few inches of the road and are in the process of repaving. It has slowed the flow of traffic a great deal. It takes a large crew of people to direct and move traffic to keep the project moving forward. One thing I have noticed is the pleasant nature of those who are directing traffic. Today, I noticed one worker telling motorists who were passing by his position, “Be blessed, and enjoy this beautiful day.” What a great response to the many people who, more than likely, approached him with looks of impatience.
What is it that defines Sacred Work? I can tell you, as a professional church worker for 25+ years, it has nothing to do with where you work. More than that, I can tell you it has nothing to do with what you do. You do not need the word “minister” in your title to be involved in sacred work.
I have seen motivations that are ugly and far from sacred at work within the walls of a ministry. The good news is that I have also seen amazing grace and sacred joy in places that are far from a church building. Whether you are an app programmer for a major retailer, or a full-time worker in a congregation, both of you can be involved in the Sacred Work of God.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
During the Reformation, the general attitude of men toward work had changed. The lowliest sort of honest labor was dignified and exalted as genuine service to God, if performed in the proper spirit. This is a concept that we still struggle with today. The greatest ministry does not always happen within the walls of a church building, but more often occurs in the home and the places of work which are blessed by those who do all they can to serve Christ.
“Your work is a very sacred matter. God delights in it, and through it He wants to bestow blessing on you. The praise of work should be inscribed on all tools, on the forehead and the face that sweats from toiling.” – Martin Luther
Something to Ponder: What can you do tomorrow to help the work of your day reflect the sacred nature of the task?